London, a city with a heartbeat that echoes through its streets, came to life in the exhibition On Foot at Offer Waterman Gallery. The show was curated by the designer Jonathan Anderson who is a creative director for both brands: JW Anderson and Loewe. It was not just an exhibition, it was an incredible stroll through the diverse tapestry of London’s culture, a celebration of the city’s essence reflected in the art and the objects inherent for the city such as the quintessential pub, the winding corridors of galleries, the energy of skaters, the glamour of fancy parties, the serenity of parks, the charm of narrow staircases, the chaos of traffic-blocked streets, and even the city’s pigeons. The show was open for visitors from the 18th of September to the 28th of October 2023 and it was one of the best curated shows I attended last year. Let us begin our journey through the streets of London and explore how Contemporary meets Modern British art…
Visitors’ journey starts at the narrow staircase of the beautiful old tenement house, the Offer Waterman gallery space. They go upstairs, admiring city landscapes on prints and graphics, slowly entering a different space. The scenery of the exhibition changes quickly, as we are walking towards different neighbourhoods, which is very characteristic for London.
In the midst of London’s urban sprawl, visitors at the On Foot exhibition found themselves transported to the city’s iconic parks – Hyde Park, Regents Park, Victoria Park, and beyond. Here, amidst the lush greenery, they discovered a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. As a resident of London myself, I have long recognized the significance of these green spaces in the lives of Londoners. Far more than mere patches of grass, they serve as sanctuaries for relaxation, allowing visitors to momentarily escape the pressures of daily life and immerse themselves in the serenity of nature. At the exhibition, this profound connection to London’s parks was palpable. In a quaint room tucked away within the gallery, visitors encountered a curated collection of paintings, prints, and ceramics that paid homage to the beauty of the natural world. Here, the works of renowned artists such as Christopher Wood, Cedric Morris, and Eliot Hodgkin, alongside ceramics by Sara Flynn, Akiko Hirai, and Jennifer Lee, captivated the senses.
What truly stood out, however, was the thoughtful placement of these pieces within the space. Take, for instance, Eliot Hodgkin’s Tulip and Iris Bulbs, 1953 – a delicate painting depicting the promise of springtime blooms. Positioned near the floor, as if awaiting their moment to burst forth into life, these bulbs beckoned visitors to pause and contemplate the cycle of growth and renewal. In contrast, vibrant flower paintings adorned eye-level, evoking the experience of wandering through the rose alleys of Regents or Hyde Park. This curatorial approach not only enhanced the visual impact of the artwork but also evoked a visceral connection to the city’s beloved green spaces.
Visiting the exhibition, visitors could find themselves immersed in a vibrant tribute to all things British. Central to this celebration was the cosy ambiance of a pub – an iconic symbol of United Kingdom culture and community. In a striking octagonal room, portraits of various individuals adorned the walls, positioned opposite each other as if engaged in lively conversation. Amidst them stood a mirrored sculpture serving as a bar, evoking the authentic atmosphere of a bustling pub. Below, a counter adorned with ceramic cups completed the scene, transporting visitors to the heart of London’s vibrant Soho district, where everyday Londoners can be seen, having a pint of Guinness. Here, a diverse cast of characters came to life, their portraits serving as storytellers echoing the myriad voices of the city. Each figure shared tales that wove together the rich tapestry of London’s history, culture, and contemporary life. It was a reminder of the role that pubs play as gathering places where stories are told, heard, and cherished.
As visitors progress through the exhibition, they are greeted by a captivating array of ceramics and sculptures that breathe life into scenes reminiscent of the bustling heart of the city. Among these artworks, JW Anderson’s limited edition pigeons, available for purchase through the gallery at the JW Anderson Soho store, command attention in a dedicated storeroom. These whimsical creations inject a delightful blend of whimsy and artistry into the space, offering a playful nod to London’s urban landscape. Adding to the evocative atmosphere, a painting by Lucian Freud depicting a pigeon transports viewers to the gritty, overlooked corners of the city. Here, amidst the shadows and mystery, the painting serves as a poignant reminder of the unseen dangers that lurk in the shadows of every metropolis. It’s a testament to the multifaceted nature of London, where beauty and danger coexist in the most unexpected of places.
London, as described by Nick Tyler in Craig Taylor’s book Londoners: The Days and Nights of London Now, “London has a fifth dimension to it, it’s a city to live in, a city that conflates human ambition, human ideas, that allows people, if they wish, to put ideas into practice, which is why London of so many centuries is a successful city.” This spirit of inclusivity and innovation is palpable in the On Foot exhibition, where JW Anderson’s designs mingle seamlessly with the works of artists like Richard Hawkins, LS Lowry, and Florian Krewer. Through a diverse array of paintings, including depictions of skaters, queer individuals, celebrities, and more, the exhibition celebrates the kaleidoscope of identities that define London’s dynamic social landscape. Here, amidst the eclectic mix of artistic expressions, visitors are reminded of the city’s remarkable ability to embrace and nurture individuality. It’s a testament to London’s status as a melting pot of cultures and ideas, where every voice is valued and every perspective is welcomed. In this sense, the exhibition serves as a microcosm of the city itself – a vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry of human experiences and aspirations.
However, what truly distinguishes On Foot is its departure from the conventional white cube exhibition style. Anderson boldly transforms the Waterman Gallery into a labyrinth of mystery, eschewing the sterile backdrop of white walls and expansive, impersonal rooms. Instead, he orchestrates a captivating atmosphere with the use of linen panels, infusing the space with an inviting warmth and cosiness.
The innovative decision to incorporate linen panel rooms within the existing gallery space proves to be a stroke of genius. It fundamentally alters the way visitors perceive each room, drawing attention to intricate details and allowing the exhibited works to take centre stage. Personally, I found this approach to be incredibly effective, as it encouraged a deeper engagement with the art and fostered a heightened sense of awareness within the space.
In the words of Emily Davis, a voice from Craig Taylor’s book Londoners: The Days and Nights of London Now – As Told by Those Who Love It, Hate It, Live It, Left It and Long for It, “everyone has their own London, from which they rarely turn their nose up.” This sentiment echoed through the On Foot exhibition, curated by Jonathan Anderson at the Offer Waterman Gallery. Just as London holds a myriad of experiences for its inhabitants, this showcase proved to be equally diverse and surprising, offering something for everyone. As visitors traversed the exhibition, they encountered a rich tapestry of artistic expressions that reflected the multifaceted nature of the city. From serene parks to bustling streets, each piece resonated with a different facet of London life, inviting viewers to connect with their own unique experiences of the city.
Reference
Offer Waterman, “ON FOOT: An Exhibition Curated by Jonathan Anderson | 18 September – 28 October 2023,” n.d.
https://www.waterman.co.uk/exhibitions/87-on-foot-an-exhibition-curated-by-jonathan-anderson/.
Taylor, Craig. Londoners: The Days and Nights of London Now – As Told by Those Who Love It, Hate It, Live It, Left It and Long for It. Granta Books, 2011, p 60
Salek, Donna, and Donna Salek. “JW Anderson Collaborates with Offer Waterman for a New Exhibition.” The World of Interiors, September 14, 2023.
https://www.worldofinteriors.com/story/jw-anderson-offer-waterman-on-foot.
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